The First Minister confirmed to parliament on 14th May that both Moray and Glasgow will remain at Level 3 for a further week as a “short term pause” in order to gain control of, and suppress, the rising infection rates seen in both localities, although she did add that the situation in Glasgow was causing more concern than Moray.
She also appealed to the public to restrict non-essential travel in and out of both areas and said extra financial support would be provided to Moray Council and Glasgow City Council to support affected businesses.
The ASSC undertook a survey to establish the impact on businesses outwith the immediate areas.
Key Findings:
- Respondents to the survey were largely from rural areas: Highland, Moray, Fife and Argyll & Bute and Perth & Kinross with the largest number of responses.
- 65% of businesses outwith Glasgow have been impacted by Glasgow being kept in Level 3, with 42% of businesses outwith Moray having been impacted by Moray being kept in Level 3.
- The average value of cancelled bookings as a result of guests from Moray or Glasgow not being allowed to travel over the next 7 days was £1,545.75.
- The average value of cancelled bookings if restrictions are extended to 14 days in Glasgow will be £2,855.15, and £2,073.43 in Moray.
- This illustrates the significant impact of localised restrictions and the associated travel bans on self-catering businesses throughout Scotland.
- Self-catering relies on advance bookings, with restrictions announced at short notice rendering it virtually impossible to re-fill the booking.
Read more: ASSC Sectoral Survey Impact of Covid Restrictions due to Moray and Glasgow May 2021